Question about two monitor setup...

[MercFan]

I got a nice monitor stand for Christmas so my 17 inch flat screen doesn't have to sit on a cardboard box anymore...

The monitor stand can support two monitors side by side - it would be useful since I do most of my work from home. The question is my laptop only has one VGA output plug - where do I plug in the second monitor video input cable? Do they make monitors with USB input cables that I could get?!

Kind of clueless...

[kknudson]

First you probably can use the external monitor AND the screen on the laptop.
Thats how I run mine when in my office.

Then there is this.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6594328&CatId=467

Not recommending it, but just showing as an example.

A friend uses something similiar, I don't know what brand etc, but I believe he drives 4 monitors via several of this and a USB hub.

[MTI]

Yes, you'll need an extra monitor adapter to add a second external monitor to go along with the laptop's LCD and an external.

[lutzTD]

if you get a docking station they usually also have a second port. I have 2 monitors set up at work and I absolutely would not work any other way. its well worth the effort however you manage it

[Angel]

do you want to just use 2 monitors, or use your laptop screen AND 2 monitors.

My Work lappy (thinkpad T61) has 3 ports between the laptop and the dock (2vag and 1 DVI), but will only support two monitors.

If you only have 1 VGA port on your lappy, then you might be out of luck (buy a Dock/Port replicator, or do they make some kind of USB or Firewire VGA adapter ?)

-John

[pawoSD]

With a laptop you will only be able to use two external displays if the laptop supports a docking station with that ability, not a lot of laptops can do that, only the higher end stuff. Its unlikely it will work. Your most likely bet is to use the laptop display + an external.

[lutzTD]

Originally Posted by pawoSD

With a laptop you will only be able to use two external displays if the laptop supports a docking station with that ability, not a lot of laptops can do that, only the higher end stuff. Its unlikely it will work. Your most likely bet is to use the laptop display + an external.

I guess I thought it was pretty standard, my last 2 have supported 2 externals or 1 int 1 ext and thats going back 5 years. they were/are both CAD grade workstations though

[MercFan]

Originally Posted by Angel

do you want to just use 2 monitors, or use your laptop screen AND 2 monitors.

I would just like to use just two external monitors without the use of my laptop's LCD - it's too low for me and too small anyway - I have an IBM/Lenovo T60p. I'll need to check into that USB/VGA converter that someone had listed above...

Thx

[okyoureabeast]

Originally Posted by MercFan

I would just like to use just two external monitors without the use of my laptop's LCD - it's too low for me and too small anyway - I have an IBM/Lenovo T60p. I'll need to check into that USB/VGA converter that someone had listed above...

Thx

What type of laptop do you own?

I got this monstrosity Asus g73 laptop that has VGA and HDMI out. I had the pleasure of setting up three monitors (including the laptop screen).

If your computer has an express card or some form of accessory out connector you can get a video card for that that will hook up directly to another monitor.

[MercFan]

Originally Posted by okyoureabeast

If your computer has an express card or some form of accessory out connector you can get a video card for that that will hook up directly to another monitor.

Yeah, I have a Lenovo T60p - it has 1 VGA port and an empty PCMCIA card - I'll need to look into getting a PCMCIA card or a USB converter for the 2nd external monitor.

[okyoureabeast]

Originally Posted by MercFan

Yeah, I have a Lenovo T60p - it has 1 VGA port and a PCMCIA card - I'll need to look into getting a PCMCIA card or a USB converter for the 2nd external monitor.

Take a look at this

http://www.google.com/search?q=pcmia+video+card&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a#q=pcmcia+video+card&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Sey&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&ei=6xsaTYZsgvjwBuKx0NUL&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CC0QrQQwAA&biw=1920&bih=873&fp=9bef8cda26d1a6ec

I've used the first before. It works well, but chokes if I try and play a video intensive application over it. Otherwise it works pretty darn well.

[lutzTD]

there are a ton of Lenova mini docks on the bay. first one popped up is BIN $57. this has a DVI and VGA port. with a digital adapter cable you can run 2 digital monitors or with a digital to VGA adapter you could run 2 VGA or just use one digital and one VGA. for that little bit of money Id go with a dock you plug unplug 1 time rather than another cable you have to plug along with keyboard mouse 2 monitors and power supply every time.

[pawoSD]

The mini dock will work, but not for anything remotely graphics intensive, it will likely choke even on basic higher quality web video.

This is why I like desktop PC's. Laptops are pointless when used as a desktop replacement.

[lutzTD]

Originally Posted by pawoSD

The mini dock will work, but not for anything remotely graphics intensive, it will likely choke even on basic higher quality web video.

This is why I like desktop PC's. Laptops are pointless when used as a desktop replacement.

depends on the box. laptops have come a long way. I run Pro/E and Solidworks similtaneous on 2 monitors with nary a blip and spinning 3D graphics is akin to even the high end game video processing